How To Make Smart Decisions At The Supermarket
When you are shopping at the supermarket by yourself, for yourself, you can be tempted by all kind of delicious things that you don’t need or can really afford. Consider these things next time you go to the supermarket to stick to the essentials and not get off track.
List
Create a list before you go to the supermarket. Only put the things that you need, can afford, and will eat. Don’t buy unnecessarily. Only head in the direction that you need to go for the food that is on your list. Don’t wander aimlessly around the supermarket, this is how you will walk past food that you don’t need but it will tempt you.
Write it down and stick to it. This can be tough be, but be strong and you will hopefully get out with only the necessary things. This is a great and basic way to make smart decisions at the supermarket.
Limit Money
If you want to be really strict with yourself, only bring the money that you think that you will need. Or only put the amount of money on your card that you think you will need. Do a rough estimate of how much the things on your list will cost and only bring that amount with you.
Or if you are on a really tight budget, only buy the essentials that you can afford with the money you allocate to food, not the other way around. This is a great way to not spend ridiculous amounts. Control yourself in the supermarket and you will be able to spend your money on more fun things later on.
Meal Plan
Plan out your meals for the week. Make a weekly meal plan, go shopping for the food that you will need for the week. If it is not allocated in the meal plan then you are not allowed to get it. Simple. Be tough with yourself at the supermarket. Think about the money you are saving and think about all the fun things you could buy with the money you have saved.
Plan meals that are healthy, nutrient-dense, and still affordable. Meal plans are a great way to not waste time in the supermarket as well. You will know what you are making, what you need, and you will be able to get in and get out, super fast!
Sales
Look for discount or sale stickers. Try and buy the brands that are on sale or special. This will save you money, it may not seem like a lot of savings but it adds up. Look out for those little stickers and you will naturally with time become a much smarter shopper! This is the best and easiest way to shop wisely. This will then become a basic instinct to you.
Basket
Instead of getting a trolley when you go to the supermarket, get a basket instead. This will make sure you only buy what you can carry and you won’t go crazy buying things you cant carry and don’t need. This is a super simple trick that everyone should do. This is a great way to make sure you make smart decisions at the supermarket.
Friends
Take a buddy with you! Take someone who will keep in line and make you accountable. Tell them that you want to stick to a list. Give the list to them and you are only allowed to buy what they tell you. Or if you have a friend that is on a budget, go with them. You could learn some tricks from them too!
